ZachXBT exposé shows that many crypto influencers accepted paid promotions without disclosure, listing over 200 accounts with payment amounts and on‑chain receipts; fewer than five of 160+ promoted posts were clearly labeled as ads, raising transparency and regulatory concerns.
-
ZachXBT published a spreadsheet listing 200+ influencer promotion deals with pricing and wallet addresses.
-
Fewer than 5 of 160+ accounts that accepted deals clearly disclosed sponsored content.
-
The spreadsheet included per-post rates from hundreds to five‑figure sums and Solana wallet addresses with on‑chain receipts.
Meta description: ZachXBT exposé reveals undisclosed influencer payouts and on‑chain receipts, exposing transparency gaps in crypto promotions. Read the verified breakdown and steps to spot ads.
What is the ZachXBT exposé?
The ZachXBT exposé is an investigative disclosure by a Web3 sleuth that published a detailed spreadsheet showing over 200 crypto influencers accepting paid promotions, including per‑post pricing and Solana wallet addresses. The report found that under five of 160+ paid promoters clearly labeled posts as advertisements, highlighting disclosure failures.
How many influencers were listed and what payments were revealed?
The published data lists more than 200 influencer entries; of a sample of 160+ confirmed acceptances, the exposé observed disclosure in fewer than five cases. Payment ranges documented span from a few hundred dollars to five‑figure sums per post. The report also includes on‑chain transaction receipts tied to Solana wallet addresses.
| Metric | Reported Value |
|---|---|
| Influencers listed | 200+ |
| Sample with accepted deals | 160+ |
| Clear disclosures observed | <5 |
| Payment per post | Hundreds to five‑figure USD |
| Payment method | Solana wallet addresses (on‑chain receipts) |
Why does this matter for investors and regulators?
Undisclosed paid promotions undermine market transparency by allowing promoters and KOLs (key opinion leaders) to influence token demand without informing audiences of material connections. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires clear disclosure of paid endorsements; failure to disclose may invite enforcement actions.
For investors, undisclosed promotions increase exposure to artificially inflated, thinly traded tokens. For regulators, patterns of non‑disclosure can indicate systemic marketing that obscures conflicts of interest and may trigger investigations.
Who commented on the revelations?
Community reactions included posts from users such as Loshmi, who highlighted questionable behavior by certain accounts, and industry voices including Erick, Founder of AskSplat and Co‑founder of TheOTCNetwork, who criticized the lack of #ad disclosures since 2021. These quotes underscore community concern about transparency in crypto promotions.
How can users spot undisclosed influencer promotions?
Users can detect potential undisclosed promotions by checking for repetitive token mentions across accounts, sudden promotion bursts, unusually high per‑post rates, and by verifying on‑chain receipts when wallet addresses are shared. Short, frequent giveaway posts targeting high‑engagement demographics can also signal engagement farming rather than organic endorsement.
- Check for explicit disclosure: look for “#ad”, “sponsored”, or clear language indicating payment.
- Verify on‑chain data: when wallet addresses are published, confirm transactions on the relevant blockchain explorer.
- Compare historical posting behavior: sudden spikes in token promotion across previously neutral accounts may indicate paid campaigns.
- Assess compensation ranges: unusually high per‑post rates for small accounts can suggest coordinated promotion of thinly traded tokens.
- Follow reputable sources of investigative reporting and official statements (e.g., FTC guidance) as context—references provided as plain text only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was evidence provided to support the ZachXBT claims?
ZachXBT published a spreadsheet listing influencer names, per‑post rates, and Solana wallet addresses along with links to on‑chain transaction receipts; these on‑chain records were cited as supporting evidence in the exposé.
Could influencers face regulatory penalties for non‑disclosure?
Yes. In the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission requires disclosure of material connections; failure to disclose paid promotions can lead to investigations and potential enforcement actions depending on the facts of each case.
How should platforms respond to undisclosed paid promotions?
Platforms should enforce disclosure policies, require transparency for paid partnerships, and provide tools for users to report suspected undisclosed promotions to improve consumer protection and market integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Widespread non‑disclosure: Fewer than five of 160+ paid promotions were clearly labeled, signaling a transparency problem.
- Documented payments: The exposé includes payment ranges from hundreds to five‑figure sums and Solana wallet addresses with on‑chain receipts.
- Actionable steps: Verify disclosures, examine on‑chain receipts, and scrutinize sudden promotion patterns to protect against misleading influencer campaigns.
Conclusion
The ZachXBT exposé highlights a systemic transparency gap in crypto influencer marketing, with documented payments and limited disclosure. Investors should exercise caution, verify on‑chain evidence when available, and demand clearer disclosures. COINOTAG will continue monitoring developments and reporting verified updates to help readers spot undisclosed promotions.
